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Dance documentary "Why Dance?" reviewed by Booklist & Library Journal

"Why Dance?" was recently reviewed by "Booklist" (American Library Association) in their November 1st issue and recommended list.

The following is an excerpt:

"Passion and enthusiasm shine through both the eloquent testimonies and the dance footage in this touching production"--Candace Smith, Booklist

The Library Journal has recently informed the producers that "Why Dance?" is being reviewed in their December 1st issue and recommending the DVD for public library purchases.

"We are very excited about this project and the benefits it can offer to the dance world, students of dance, parents, competitors, professional dancers, educators, public library's, retailers, and distributors alike" says producer Jim Manning and his wife Shely Pack-Manning.

The documentary has been submitted to over thirty-five festivals world-wide and "Why Dance?" was an Official Selection of the SMMASH Film Fest in Minneapolis, Minnesota Oct 21-27, 2005 (it was screened three times and opened the festival) as well an Official Selection of the California Independent Film Festival October 27-30th in Livermore Wine Country in Northern California. They hope to be hearing from more of them in the coming months.

The web site (www.whydancethemovie.com) offers a four minute trailer and bio's on all the participants(Dennis Nahat-Artistic Director, Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley; Karen Brown-Artistic Director, Oakland Ballet; professional ballerina's (both past and present), educators, judges, etc).

In addition to being self-distributed, the DVD is being distributed by two dance catalog companies (The Rhee Gold Company and Just for Kix) in their Winter catalogs as well as Film Baby.com (http://www.filmbaby.com ) and Book Wholesalers Inc ( http://www.bwibooks.com). Many others are looking at it. It is getting some press in the December issues of both Dance Teacher magazine and Dance Retailer News. They also mentioned the film in the recent issue of Dance Magazine.

"Why Dance? is now available on Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com) .

"I believe that "Why Dance?" should find a place in every public and university library in this country!" says Manning.

“Why Dance?” is a full length documentary (112 minutes) with an in-depth, behind the scenes look at the world of dance.

It examines what attracts so many young people to this wondrous art form and includes interviews with young students, parents, teachers, former and current principal dancers with such dance companies as the American Ballet Theatre, The Stuttgart Ballet, The Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley, to name but a few.

It explores why they dance and what attracted them to the art form from their early days at the neighborhood dance studio to some of the world’s premier stages.

The benefits of dance competitions are discussed including substantial footage at one of the many competitions held throughout the country and interview’s with former winners like Peter Chursin (Mr. Dance of America 2003) and Ashley Canterna (Miss Dance of America 2002). Judging is addressed and what judges are looking for in a dance routine is explained.

Notables such as Dennis Nahat (Artistic Director of Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley) and Karen “KB” Brown (Artistic Director of the Oakland Ballet) share their early days and experiences growing up in Detroit and the South and going on to dance with such famous dance companies as A.B.T. , The Joffrey Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem.

It examines the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi which is held every four years where dancers come from all over the world to compete for the “Gold”.

The darker side of dance is also explored including injuries, eating disorders, and insecurities, issues that all dancers will face sooner or later.

The film goes behind the scenes of a professional dance company’s production of “The Pirates of Penzance”, a ballet staged by Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley in San Jose, California. Footage includes not only a discussion with choreographer Daryl Gray but actual choreography being set in the rehearsal hall as well as footage of the performance.

Other contributors to the film include photographers Martha Swope, Roger Ele, Hubert Worley, and Christopher Jean-Richard.

Included is a heart-warming “Billy Elliott” type of story about a young boy overcoming the objections of his father, a common story in the male dance world.

For more information on the film, visit the film’s website at www.whydancethemovie.com

Starts	11/15/2005
Ends	02/15/2006
Issues	Family & Society, Gender/Women, Health/Health Advocacy, Media, Youth, Digital Media, Media Literacy, Educational reform
Homepage	www.whydancethemovie.com
Contact	jimmanning@prodigy.net